I am pretty sure not many people heard of the brand Densen, even though they are not as well-known as other audio brands but they sure make high-quality audio products. Densen is formed by a select group of music lovers, they are a dedicated and non-mainstream bunch, meaning they usually stray away from the usual paths of audio companies. For instance, instead of making highly profitable products such as Blu-ray players, they pride themselves in making products that have lasting quality, enjoyment, and make a difference for their customers.
This is why today we will be reviewing Densen B-130XS and from there we can understand how impressive is their craftsmanship and most importantly how good B-130XS sound. Is this just another integrated amplifier or something truly exceptional, let’s find out shall we?
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Densen B-130XS Review – UPDATED 2021
Right out of the box, you can immediately see how minimalistic and stylish it looks. The sides of the amp are sleek as well, absolutely gorgeous to look at. Densen B-130XS is an upgrade version of the classic B-130 with a much better audio circuit, capable of higher performance and better sound quality. It is also a downscaled version of B-150PLUS having many of the same technologies that made it so amazing and even won amplifier of the year. Densen B-130XS also has a DAC upgrade which is great for users who prefer music streaming and/or play digital music files.
We started playing and were pleasantly surprised at how revealing it is, the tiny details become more audible, not clinical but transparent. The dexterity of this integrated amplifier is exceptional, fast and agile, responsive to the shifts in music peaks, very fun to listen to. Densen B-130XS has incredible control over the music, creates a cohesive and spacious soundstage, with pinpoint accuracy in the stereo imaging department. The vocalist is right in the middle, surrounded by musical instruments, sounding clean and refined. The integrated amplifier makes the sound system a tad more airy which is good in my books.
The bass is punchy, rich, and agile, this is when we started streaming music with a little more bass than our usual songs. We start to hear bass details that we never hear before, each bass has its own unique signature and the percussions are a bit more natural sounding. For music the bass extension is great, but how about movies we wonder. Well, it is tight and rich, lacks the scale and authority though, even with a subwoofer plugged in.
Densen B-130XS is really made for music but with an addition of surround boards, you can enter the world of cinema with this integrated amp. With the SB boards, you will get analog 5.1 and 7.1 line input as well as 5.1 and 7.1 line pre-out. This is the beauty of B-130XS, the upgrade paths, and the flexibility to keep up with modern demands. It could be a tad too bright sounding, and you may want to pair this amp with warm-sounding speakers. It has ample power output and high storage capacity, sufficient to drive most speakers other than the ones that are demanding in nature, and requires high power outputs amps.
Densen B-130XS Specs
- Power Output: 2 x 80W (8 ohms), 2 x 160W (4 ohms)
- Storage capacity: 90.000uF
- THD+Noise @rated output: Less than 0.05%
- Frequency response (+0 -3db): 2Hz-500kHz
- Power supply size: 500VA
- Weight: 28.66lbs (13kg)
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 17.33″x12.20″x2.5″ 440x310x64mm
Densen Amplifier Review – A Complete Guide
When we talk about Densen amplifiers, the first thing that pops into our mind will be the B-150PLUS, a reference integrated amplifier that has wow many critics with its impressive sound performance and exceptional sound quality, as well as many fans. This is why B-150PLUS has become more of a benchmark for Densen to further improve its amplifiers and enhance the sound quality even further. The confidence and pride in the quality of their amplifiers, backing them up by giving out lifetime warranty. Do note that this is for first owners only and is supported directly by Densen. With a lifetime warranty, you will be assured that every single Densen amplifier is designed and built with the highest quality workmanship. Not to mention, the premium audio circuits inside their amplifiers which are going to last for a long time.
Densen integrated amplifiers are a lot more flexible than most brands, they are been made to last and to be upgraded along the way, so they will always be able to satisfy modern consumer needs. You need to only invest once, and the Densen amplifier will be with you for a lifetime. Hopefully, more high-end audio makers will follow this route.
The transparency and precision of the sound delivery by Densen amplifiers are what made them so great. When listening to music, you will always want a faithful reproduction, as close to what the artists have intended for their listeners to hear. This is where you can truly feel what the artists are trying to convey. Even so, it is not clinical, is just clean and refined music enjoyment. Recently B-150PLUS has a newer brother, B-150XS which has the signature sleek-looking design. Already impressed discerning critics with its sound quality and functionality. Then there’s the newly launched Densen B-175 which took over the seat of reference integrated amplifier. It is a powerful integrated amp with 2 x 250W (4ohms) and 2 x 125W (8ohms) power output. Is a combination of B-250 preamp and B-350 monoblocks.
We are hoping to see more amazing high-fidelity amplifiers from Densen, and hopefully more entry-level ones. As well as more music streaming capabilities such as Bluetooth but of course without compromising the sound quality.
Densen HiFi – What You Should Know?
As I’ve already mentioned earlier, Densen is set up by a group of music lovers with a strong desire to be the best audio manufacturer in the world. They are obsessed with perfection and want only the best for their customers, hoping they will enjoy endless hours of music enjoyment using their audio products. These claims are backed by their lifelong warranty, with this you will be assured you are getting high-quality audio products that are not compromised in any way for the sake of profits.
Densen audio products are made with music as a focus, and if you are looking for a high-quality home sound system for your music sources, Densen is definitely one of the brands to look out for. Firstly you will be assured of the quality and sonic performance so it will definitely worth your time to consider and to audition some of them. Secondly, their audio products especially the integrated amplifiers can be upgraded for improved functions and sound quality such as updating DAC software, Surround Board upgrade, etc.
I love the way how they use the ‘Air-Guitar Factor’ to relay the message that listening to music must be so enjoyable that you want to stand up and just do the air guitar. Reminded me of some of my friends who love rock music of the 80s and 90s, as the solo kicks in, you could see some of them started doing the air guitar pose or grabbing their own electric guitars and start playing. I was once very analytical while listening to music and even when watching movies. It is only recently that I started to let go and just simply enjoy the sound that is been played before me. Maybe once in a while, I will analyze the sound, but not as often like in the past.
If you want an audio manufacturer that truly understands what it means to really enjoy listening to music and put so much care and love into their products. Densen may be the perfect audio brand for you.
Densen Beat 100 Specs
Densen Beat B-100 is a solid-state integrated amplifier with a beautiful black anodized alloy case and also real 24k gold plated knobs for volume and source selection. Beat 100 is a lot more affordable when compared to its bigger brothers, the price point is about $1295.00. Even so, it is still a beast on its own.
Specifications
- Power Output: 2 x 60W (8 ohms), 2 x 120W (4 ohms)
- Storage capacity: 40.000uF
- THD+Noise @rated output: Less than 0.01%
- Frequency response (+0 -3db): 2Hz-200kHz
- Power supply size: 360VA
- Weight: 21lbs (9.6kg)
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 17″x11.70″x2.7″ 440x300x68mm
- Inputs: 6 line-level inputs
The power output may not look much but it sounds more powerful than expected. Like all Densen amplifiers, Beat B-100 is musical, precise, and has good control, it is airy as well. The bass is lacking richness and detail, not as punchy as B-130XS. Even though the soundstage is wide, it lacks depth. Densen Beat 100 can be quite a bright-sounding amp, you might want to pair it with less bright-sounding speakers. Still, it is enjoyable to listen, and worth the audition if you have a chance to do so.
In Conclusion
If you are looking for an integrated amplifier that is great for music, Densen B-130XS is definitely worth your time for an audition. With the lifetime warranty and upgrade paths, you will just need one integrated amplifier in your life. But if your speakers sound bright, then probably B-130XS won’t be suitable as it is bright-sounding as well, and such a combination may cause listener fatigue thus ruining your music experience and enjoyment. If you are looking for a more affordable integrated amp, then maybe you could give Densen Beat B-100 a try.
